Charlie's Touchdown

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Summary: Charlie's Touchdown
Review: Charlie's Touchdown is a wonderful book. Mary Jo Stopher has so much faith! It is an inspiring book about a mother that is raising five children and one of her children has multiply defects including a terminal heart defect. I wasn't sure I wanted to read this story as it would be too sad but the story of Charlie's life is a good one. He endured so much pain and suffering yet still smiled and had such a good attitude about life and living. I highly recommend reading this book. You won't be sorry you did! Teri in Troy, Ohio

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Summary: A must read for all parents
Review: I loved this book. It really touched my soul. Mary Jo is such a powerful writer, but even more importantly, a strong person. I was so emotional after the birth of our first child and I was brought to tears many times while reading. The book also gave me so much insight into parenthood. The sacrifices, the communication, the joy of seeing a child thrilled with the things we take for granted. Throughout the book, I couldn't help but think what a selfless person Mary Jo is. And to think someone thought it was selfish of her to have so many children. What is their rationale, a bigger house, a new boat, a nice vacation.

The other aspect of the book was the faith journey. While I was raised a fundamental catholic, I completely lost my way in my adulthood. The faith and strength Mary Jo showed throughout her life is an inspiration to me. The book at least made me think about trying again.

Thank you for such a wonderful gift. I feel like I can almost hear young Charlie laughing. There is nothing more delightful than the laughter of a child. Charlie also blessed me with his positive attitude. To be so young, yet able to encourage his brohter Marty from the sidelines. For a child to act selflessly is such a miracle and an inspiration to us all.

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Summary: A Story to Touch Your Heart and Change Your Life
Review: I'm 19 years old, from Bogata, Columbia. As I read Charlie's Touchdown I was very interested in the medical aspects of Charlie's condition. Little did I realize just how much this book was going to change my life forever. The wonderful attitude of this young boy during his 14 short years on this earth and the deep faith of his mother touched my heart deeply. I could see the obvious suffering of Charlie and his family, but as I read on hardly able to put the book down, I could truly see
how God can take an obvious tragedy and turn it into something beautiful if only we love and have faith placing all things in God's capable hands. My faith was not what it should have been, but after reading Charlie's story I can tell you it has increased a hundredfold. I wish I could have known Charlie, but thanks to Mary Jo, I now feel like I do. Not only has my faith deepened in this wonderful God we have, but by the time I finished this book I knew without any doubt in my mind that I wanted to become a physician, not only to help relieve suffering, but to help those who's suffering seems almost unbearable to know that there truly is such a thing as redemptive suffering and I believe with all my heart that Charlie is responsible for the saving of many souls. I only pray that my life's work as a physician and healer of the body can also bring about a comfort and healing to the soul. I begin my studies to become a doctor later this year. Thanks Charlie, you just scored another big TOUCHDOWN because your beautiful story has changed my life forever and brought me closer to Jesus.